In April 2020, mesm Tokyo, Autograph Collection, a luxury hotel, opened in the Takeshiba area of Tokyo. "Autograph Collection" is a brand name developed by Marriott International, bestowed upon hotels with unique individuality, high quality, and hospitality. At mesm Tokyo, the concept of "TOKYO WAVES" is used to develop services and content based on the ever-changing "now" of Tokyo. Particularly noteworthy is the CASIO "Privia PX-S1000" digital piano, available in all 265 rooms of the hotel. In this sixth installment of our series, singer-songwriter Toko Furuuchi experiences the charms of Privia × mesm Tokyo.

Toko Furuuchi celebrated her 29th debut anniversary on February 21, 2021. When asked about the secret to her long-standing creativity and how she maintains her fresh sensibility, Furuuchi smiled mischievously and said, "Perhaps because I don't mass-produce."

"There have been times when six years passed between the production of original albums, and even when recording a 10-song album, I might only write 10 songs. Perhaps I've tried to maintain a sense of freshness within myself through this approach."

Furuuchi's way of speaking was natural and unpretentious, suggesting that her flexible attitude might be the reason she has remained a top artist for so long. Furuuchi then sat down at the Privia in the "chapter 3 Suite" on the 24th floor of mesm Tokyo and began to play a melody with natural ease. Beautiful notes filled the modern room.

After trying out the grand piano tones on the Privia, Furuuchi commented:

"During the stay-at-home period last year, I visited instrument shops and tried out several keyboards like this. I wanted to perform and stream online myself. Among those I tried, the Privia might have been the best. First of all, the sound is overwhelmingly good. The sparkling high notes and the resonant low notes are both well-reproduced, making me feel like I'm playing skillfully."

She then placed her fingers on the keys again and continued, "Even the touch of the keys has been considered."

"The texture of the key surface, I suppose you could call it, reproduces the slightly rough feel of ivory, leaving the same sensation on my fingers as when playing a good piano. Normally, after practicing on a small piano like this, one feels a disconnect when playing a grand piano, but with the Privia, that shouldn't be an issue."

Furuuchi then used the keys to try out all 18 tones, including electric piano, strings, and marimba.

After remarking, "They all sound excellent," Furuuchi shared an anecdote related to her debut.

"When I was in the sixth or seventh grade, it was the height of the band boom, and my older sister, who is five years my senior, was playing keyboard in her university's music club band. There was a small synthesizer in her room then, and while fiddling with it, I started composing myself. I began making songs because I enjoyed changing the sounds and doing something like multi-track recording; if I had only known the piano, I probably wouldn't have started composing."

When Furuuchi connected her Privia to her smartphone via Bluetooth®, music stored on her phone played through the Privia's speakers. "This is interesting," she said, playing the piano along with the music.

We asked Furuuchi, whose debut was inspired by her sister's synthesizer, where she might place a Privia in her home and how she might use it.

Born and raised in Nerima Ward, Tokyo. While in high school, she became inspired to compose music while playing her sister's keyboard. Her demo tape, sent to a record company at the time, led to her debut in 1993 with the single "Hayaku Isoide." Since then, she has continued to write and sing songs themed around love and romance, gaining support not only from female fans but also from male listeners. She will celebrate her 30th debut anniversary in 2022.

"My long-time producer often composes music for dramas, and I thought I'd try it too, so I played the keyboard while watching a drama in my living room. But it was, as expected, difficult (laughs). I'd like to try again with the Privia. Also, I enjoy playing along with recordings of my favorite bands, which are no longer around, and it makes me feel like I'm part of the band. It also helps me study live arrangements, so I'd like to use it that way."

Indeed, with the Privia, one can enjoy sessions that transcend time and space.

Stepping out onto the spacious terrace of the chapter 3 Suite, Furuuchi exclaimed at the Tokyo cityscape, a fusion of Hamarikyu Gardens and new skyscrapers.

"I was born and raised in Tokyo, but I'm not familiar with this area, so the view from mesm Tokyo is fresh. Playing the piano while looking at a scene like this is something I wouldn't normally think of. When I write lyrics, I sometimes go to natural settings or drink while looking at the night view from a high floor to find a good environment. But since I can't bring a piano, I'd given up on composing. However, I can come to mesm Tokyo. I generally prefer modern hotels with cutting-edge facilities over established ones, so I feel very comfortable here."

February 21, 2022, marks her 30th debut anniversary. Furuuchi mentioned that she wants to create something for her anniversary year. Live performances are also planned at venues such as Billboard Live Tokyo.

"I love all the Billboard venues—Tokyo, Osaka, and the new one in Yokohama. Venues like Billboard, where you can enjoy drinks, are great because male fans come, which I appreciate. I think it's easier for them to come, not just men, because they don't feel awkward coming alone."

Finally, Furuuchi eagerly inquired about the types of pedals available for the Privia and whether a carrying case was included. Her continued curiosity is likely one reason for her long-standing success at the forefront of her field.